days #22 and #23: 30 + 1 handknits project...

the 30 + 1 handknits project is quickly winding down, but i've had so much fun that i kind of don't want it to end. it has forced me to make outfits out of some items i've made and then inadvertently banished to the back of the wardrobe, realizing in the process that they are actually quite suitable for wearing... outside... in public. 

it's also been interesting planning out outfits in advance for 11 days of travels around the midwest in the middle of winter. i borrowed my boyfriend's giant suitcase (because, if you've ever tried to pack more than a couple of sweaters into a suitcase, you know they pretty much take up ALL THE ROOM), i got baby puke on one of my cardigan sleeves within five minutes of holding said baby (who is absolutely adorable, by the way, minus the puking), i've sweated and shivered, and i've managed to do a few clothing switcharoos based on weather and circumstances (such as, "we will be spending all day driving back to chicago, then taking a side trip to ikea - i think jeans are in order").

all in all, though, this challenge to wear a different handknitted item every day for an entire month has been really entertaining, at least for myself. my man friend has taken some beautiful photos, too. way to go, man friend.

12/22/2011. day #22, Pioneer by kBomb, completed january 2010. chris' mom bought me this same yarn for christmas, only in a heavier weight. it's lovely stuff - wool with a touch of silk. it's all meow-rawr and cozy-warm at the same time.




i actually wanted a shot of me COVERED in presents, but i decided that was a little too third grader, even for me. i settled for lying down in front of the prezzies and the massive tree at my parents' place.


12/23/2011. day #23, Boatneck Bluebell Sweater by Stefanie Japel, completed january 2009. this sweater, knitted up in a nice purple and blue heathered wool, keeps me toasty warm. the pattern creator, ms. japel, is quite awesome at making sweaters that make the ladies look lovely. no bulky, shapeless masses here, no sirree.




this shot kind of slays me. just a little. i can only act all serious-modelly for so long.


in celebration of being back in chicago, we headed to the christkindl market, watched some amazing guys drumming on the bottoms of plastic buckets (a chicago christmas tradition), checked out the macy's christmas tree, and headed over to the bean at millennium park (of course).


i would love to do a photo project taking photos of people taking photos of their own reflections in the bean. i loved this group of kids.


me and the bean.


and the sweater photographer himself.